Imagine not having coats or shoes for your growing children or blankets for them or elders to stay warm in the bitter South Dakota winter where the temperatures can reach below zero. The Okini program allows us to reach out and touch peoples lives, letting them know we care. This is a unique program that allows individuals, families and/or with friends to share with the Lakota in different ways.

One way is the Okini list which is a list of families and individuals who are in desperate need of clothing, shoes, blankets, pots & pans, etc. These families in need have been listed by our intake coordinator. The wonderful thing about this program is that you are able to look at the list of people and families to see what you can help with. By offering a helping hand, you can help change their lives for the better.

Direct Assistance

This list is updated frequently with new families and shows what existing families have already received. You can choose to help an individual, part of a family or a whole family. The great part is that when you notify the coordinator with what you have, they will give you the individuals full name and address and you will be able to mail it to them directly. Your gift to the family will then be posted next to the families name. Imagine the happiness they have when they receive a box from a unknown new friend and realize that someone cares about them. It does not matter how much or little you send, you are touching some one's life. The items you send can be new or gently used.

Some of the sad stories are of a mother who can not send her children to school because they have no clothes or shoes that fit. A grandmother who has just received custody of her four grandchildren and they have no clothes other than what they are wearing. A family who has lost their belongings from a fire and have little clothes, blankets or heaters.

A Great Way To Get Involved

The Okini program is a wonderful way to become involved with the One Spirit family. As you can see, there are many ways to help and we are always looking for creative new ideas to expand our program. Please visit often as our list of needs is always changing.

Visiting the Okini list will not only be benefiting the Lakota Sioux families, it will be a life changing experience for you.

“If each of us looks deep inside ourselves we will find that which makes a difference.”

-Horse Woman Spirit Runs Free

Ways to Help: Okini

How It Works

The Okini program is a great way to make a difference in the life of a Lakota family.

2. From the list of needs, choose the family that you would like to help

3. When you find a family you would like to help, "select" them by clicking their yellow box on the right. By doing so, a contact form opens right away. Please follow the instructions which you can find on the right side at "Getting started is easy."

4. We will contact you with instructions on sending the items to your selected family

Deciding What to Send

When deciding what items to send please consider the following:

1. Clothing should be new, or if used, clean and in like-new condition.

2. A good rule of thumb is if you would use it for yourself or your family, then it's good.

3. Items should be free of stains, rips, tattered fabric or excessive wear.